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Walker shines at All-Star game

Neal Denton, 8:27 p.m. CDT July 2, 2014

Mountain Home quarterback Drake Walker was selected to play for the East team at the Arkansas High School Coaches Association’s All-Star game Friday at Conway.(Photo: Michael Orrell/El Dorado News-Times)

While at Mountain Home High School, Drake Walker put up some of the most impressive numbers of any quarterback ever to wear a Bomber uniform.

In his last high school game, however, Walker showed his skill at a different position.

Walker was one of the top wide receivers for the East squad at the Arkansas High School Coaches Association's All-Star football game on Friday night at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.

The East fell 23-14 to the West, despite the 5-10, 185-pound Walker catching seven passes for approximately 50 yards in the game.

"Having a good game in an all-star game is pretty cool," Walker said. "I didn't score. I got close, but it was still pretty fun. I caught all my passes around the middle of the field."

Walker might not have taken any snaps in the game, but he still logged a completion. He hooked up with Forrest City's Joseph Tripp on a long reverse pass play for close to 50 yards.

"I got passed to seven times and caught all seven," he said. "I didn't have any carries."

Walker said the Bombers' tough schedule had him acclimated to the style of play at the all-star level.

"Honestly, playing in the 7A/6A-East Conference we play in, it wasn't that much different," he said. "There was a good player at each position. It wasn't like when we played, though, where there was one guy that we tried to run away from or one guy that stood out on the defense. Everyone stood out. Every player was a key player."

Players at the event practiced throughout all-star week in preparation for Friday night's game.

"We practiced every day except Monday," said Walker. "We even practiced Friday morning. It was kind of laid back since it was all-star week. We had a scrimmage on Wednesday. The guys were fun to joke around with, but when it was time to get serious, we got serious and played. I played receiver all week, so it was different for me. It was pretty cool to see all the talent out there."

Walker was forced to play receiver on a team that featured several quarterbacks.

"The guy I was lined up with in the slot on the left side, he was a quarterback in high school, too," Walker said.

Rogers Heritage quarterback Josh Qualls was named the game's most valuable player, completing an all-star game record 25 passes for an impressive 222 yards. Salem quarterback Dillon Turner was the East's offensive MVP.

Walker will play in the fall at Fort Scott Community College in Fort Scott, Kansas. The Greyhounds also are impressed with Walker's ability to play his new position.

"They thought I played receiver in high school," he said, "and I said, 'no, this is my first time playing receiver in a game.' They were kind of shocked about that."